Homemade for the Holidays: 11 Sewn Gift Ideas for Christmas

The Christmas season is right around the corner and we know how much sewists and quilters love working ahead. That’s why we’ve collected our favorite sewn gift ideas for you to start sewing now! These sewing and quilting projects make excellent gifts for everyone on your list and will add a special homemade touch to your gift giving this year.

As the world of mass produced everything marches on, sewing a handmade toy or designing a custom dress for your grandchild is not only easier on your budget (and on the planet), but lets you create something uniquely for them that no one else has. It shows them that you put thought, heart, and your talent into creating something that’s made to last. Whether you handcraft a one-of-a-kind ornament or make some fun accessories in their favorite color, they’ll remember that it was made special by you.

Our list ranges from quick and easy projects to more time-consuming tutorials like quilts, so feel free to choose the project that best matches your skill level and start sewing. Here’s wishing you happy stitching!

All Tied Up Summer Scrunchies (July 2021 Issue)

Thanks to the resurgence of 1990s fashion trends now popular with Gen Z (we see you, shortalls), throwback hair accessories like scrunchies have become hugely popular once again. The All Tied Up Scrunchies from our July 2021 issue are a great stocking stuffer for kids and teens! They’re a quick sew and are super budget-friendly and easy to customize to your child’s personal style. Our tutorial uses quilting cotton but you can choose from luxe, trendy fabrics like velvet or chiffon to give your accessory a DIY designer twist.

Darling Little Lamb Toy (October 2021 Issue)

We’re totally obsessed with this Darling Little Lamb Toy! Created by toy designer Jo Carter (check out our interview with Jo in this issue!), this sweet soft toy is the perfect gift for your grandchild. What we love most about this sewing project is that it adds a homemade touch that store-bought gifts lack, so that kids know just how much love went into creating their own personalized lamb. Go a step further and create a wardrobe for your toy made from scrap fabric or embroider your child’s name onto the lamb, so that they know this project was made just for them.

Coffee To Go Quilted Lapghan (August 2021 Issue)

We all have a coffee addict in our life! Instead of shelling out major bucks for expensive gourmet coffees and fancy mugs, why not create a personalized gift that will last much longer? This fun and snuggly Coffee To Go Quilted Lapghan from our August 2021 issue is a fabulous gift for the coffee lover in your life. Combining quilting with applique, this project finishes at the size of a traditional lap or throw quilt, so it’s ideal for cuddling under while the recipient finishes a hot cup of their favorite coffee. Sweeter, cozier, and more memorable than a Starbucks gift card? Yes, please!

Christmas Blessings Angel Ornament (October 2021 Issue)

Cue the choir of heavenly angels, because this adorable ornament is here to solve your gift giving conundrum! Not only are these Christmas angel ornaments easy to personalize, but they’re a great gift option for a wide variety of people. Make some customized angels for your kids or grandkids, so that they can have their own special angel to hang on their tree or make a big batch of scrappy angels for your co-workers, book club, or Sunday school class. This project is also a fantastic excuse to empty out this year’s fabric stash so that you can make room for new fabrics in 2022. Add an angelic touch to any tree with this sewing project.

Northeast Chic Oversized Fall Scarf (September 2021 Issue)

Teens, tweens, and twenty somethings can be very difficult to buy for, which is why this Northeast Chic Oversized Scarf (from our September 2021 issue) is a stylish gift option for fashionistas of all ages. Inspired by classic cold weather East Coast style, this sewn accessory is ideal for mixing plaids and checks in trendy neutral tones. This oversized scarf pairs perfectly with winter coats and boots and keeps the wearer warm without being uncomfortably hot. This sewing project is easy enough for beginner sewists, so if you’re looking for a simple gift idea, this is exactly what you’ve been searching for. Bye-bye blanket scarves! Say ‘Hello’ to something new!

Shooting Stars Rainbow Zipper Pouch (August 2021 Issue)

Design a super cute stocking stuffer that will let your little one know they’re a total superstar! This Shooting Stars Rainbow Zipper Pouch from our August 2021 issue was created to function as a quirky pencil pouch but this sewing project can also be used to hold daily essentials like money and ID cards or beauty items like hair ties and lip balm. The key to making this gift special to your child is to personalize it in their favorite colors, embroider their name, or add a fun charm to the zipper. Your kids will be excited to head back to school in January so that they can show off their brand new school accessory.

Sunny SoCal Reversible Panel Skirt (August 2021 Issue)

Okay, hear us out. We know this Sunny SoCal Reversible Panel Skirt (from our August 2021 issue) is intended to be worn in lighter weather. But this skirt pattern is so fabulous that we can’t resist sharing it again with you, this time as a winter skirt to pair with tights! This skirt pattern features a figure-flattering wrap waist and hits right above the knee, making it a great option to wear with a slim-fitting turtleneck and boots. Choose a stylish winter print or medium-weight denim to make this skirt more seasonably appropriate. This sewn gift is perfect for your sister, friend, or Mom who’s always on the hunt for chic wardrobe staples.

Floral Splendor Quilted Throw Pillow (September 2021 Issue)

Our motto when it comes to gift giving (or really, almost anything) is: Why buy when you can DIY? If your sister-in-law has been eyeing an expensive set of throw pillows from West Elm or if your niece has been struggling to decorate her new apartment post-college, design a pair of homemade pillows for their couch or bed. Our Floral Splendor Quilted Throw Pillow (from our September 2021 issue) not only adds a thoughtful, handmade touch to their gift, but the applique details echo the arts and crafts revival currently popular in home décor. Combine modern and vintage design with these sewn throw pillows.

Cute and Cozy Girls’ Dress Pattern (October 2021 Issue)

There’s really so much to love about the Cute and Cozy Girls’ Dress Pattern (located in this issue). The button detailing, the gathered waist, the bold buffalo check print. All of these elements combine to create a sweet and stylish dress for your granddaughter that she can wear from Christmas morning all the way to Spring. This girls’ dress pattern is designed for lighter weight fabrics so that it’s comfortable to wear with leggings or tights without being too warm. There are so many special details that you can easily add to this dress (like ribbon trim or colorful buttons) to make it customized for your little girl. There’s nothing more exciting than finding a homemade dress underneath the Christmas tree, designed in prints, colors, and trims that were chosen just for her.

Sewn Ugly Christmas Sweater Ornament (July 2021 Issue)

Get ready to show off those hand sewing skills! If you’re searching for handmade ornament ideas that are a touch more playful than the aforementioned Christmas angels, then you won’t be able to resist the Sewn Ugly Christmas Sweater Ornament. Found in our July 2021 issue, this hand sewn ornament is a fun and wacky stocking stuffer that is sure to be beloved by friends and family. Again, customization is key (our mantra for Christmas 2021) so feel free to play around with color, fabric, and tiny trims like sequins or buttons. You’ll be able to whip up an entire army of itty bitty Christmas sweaters in just a few days!

Truly Timeless Leather Tote (September 2021 Issue)

No woman’s wardrobe is complete without a timelessly chic leather bag, which is why our Truly Timeless Leather Tote from September 2021 is just what your mom, mother-in-law, or bestie needs. This sewing tutorial shows you how to design a simple, sophisticated small tote (complete with rivet accents) that can hold your mom’s essentials without feeling too heavy or bulky. Make this purse in her favorite shade of leather and choose a lining that’s durable and fitted to her taste. We love the idea of creating a matching wallet, sunglasses case, or makeup bag in the same color, so that she has a complete set to carry all of her necessities.

We hope you feel inspired to go forth and conquer your gift list, one sewing project at a time! Whether you’ve been struggling to figure out what to get your Bible study group, or what on earth to make for your grandkids, our list is a great jumping off point to get creative, raid your fabric stash, and whip up something that’s personable and homemade. Don’t settle for store-bought and spend your holiday season creating gifts filled with love in every stitch.